Cosmetic container for liquid or pasty cosmetics with a lockable closing cap

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic product, which includes a storage container and a closure cap. The closure cap can be detachably locked on the storage container in its closing position using a locking device. The locking device includes a clip lever that is disposed on the outside of the storage container, or on the outside of the closure cap. The clip lever may be pivotably mounted with a hinge, and may include a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing in the opposite direction away from the hinge. The latching arm may be configured with a latching member that is capable of engaging in a positive fir with a corresponding latching member formed on the storage container or cap such that this positive fit can be released again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cosmetics container for a liquid or pastycosmetic product, preferably mascara, comprising a storage containerhaving at least one removal opening, and comprising a closure cap foropening and closing this removal opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetics containers of this type serve for transporting, selling and/orstoring a cosmetic product with a liquid or pasty consistencyaccommodated in the storage container, such as, for example, mascara.The cosmetic located in the storage container can be withdrawn by theuser in the desired amount through the removal opening. The removalopening can be closed with a closure cap or lid associated with thecosmetics container in order to prevent accidental leaking of thecosmetic. It is known to provide an applicator on the closure cap withwhich the cosmetic can be applied in a directed manner.

The closure cap is most frequently detachably fastened to the storagecontainer using a threaded portion, in some cases by a locking device orbayonet mechanism.

In addition, so-called threadless locking mechanisms are also known inwhich the closure cap can be detachably locked in its closing positionon the storage container using at least one latching device that actsbetween the closure cap and the storage container.

This lock can be released again by manually applying a tensile force onto the closure cap.

In the case of the known cosmetics containers with threadless lockingmechanisms, this lock is at times released accidentally, so that thecosmetic product can leak out and/or dry up.

It is an object of the invention to propose a cosmetics container of thetype mentioned in the introduction with an improved threadless lockingdevice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cosmetics container according to the invention comprises a storagecontainer having at least one removal opening, and a closure cap foropening and closing this removal opening, wherein the closure cap can bedetachably locked or fixed on the storage container in its closingposition using a locking device that acts between the closure cap andthe storage container. It is provided that the locking device comprisesat least one clip lever which is disposed on the outside of the closurecap, which is pivotably mounted with a hinge, and which comprises alatching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing inthe opposite direction away from the hinge, wherein the latching arm isprovided with at least one latching member that, for locking the closurecap, is capable of engaging in a positive fit with at least onecorresponding latching member formed, in particular, on the outside ofthe storage container, in such a way that this positive fit can bereleased again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressingarm.

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the locking devicecomprises at least one clip lever which is disposed on the outside ofthe storage container, which is pivotably mounted with a hinge, andwhich comprises a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and apressing arm pointing in the opposite direction away from the hinge,wherein the latching arm is provided with at least one latching memberthat is capable of engaging in a positive fit with at least onecorresponding latching member formed, in particular, on the outside ofthe closure cap, in such a way that this positive fit can be releasedagain by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm.

In the cosmetics container according to the invention, an effective andvery reliable lock between the closure cap and the storage container canbe established in a comfortable manner, and can be released again justas comfortably.

The clip lever, which works like a seesaw, is preferably configured as aflat, strip-like member and preferably consists of a plastic material.

The hinge (or also pivoting joint) for the clip lever can comprise anaxle shaft which is disposed on the storage container or on the closurecap and on which the clip lever is pivotably mounted. Alternatively, itcan be provided that the hinge for the clip lever is configured as afilm hinge or film joint.

Preferably, it is provided that the clip lever is biased into thelocking pivoted position by at least one spring device, with this springdevice also causing a return of the clip lever after the manualapplication of a pressing force onto the pressing arm. The spring devicethus serves for biasing and returning the clip lever into its closingposition.

Moreover, it is preferably provided that at least the clip lever isconfigured in such a way that the locking positive fit between thecorresponding latching members is brought about automatically when theclosure cap is placed on the storage container.

In a cosmetics container according to the invention, at least one cliplever can have a different color than the closure cap and/or the storagecontainer. Handling can be improved and, in particular, an intuitivelycorrect operation of the locking mechanism can be ensured by the colorcontrast.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one clip lever of thecosmetics container according to the invention is configured at least insome sections with a patterned or otherwise especially designed surface(on the front or outside). This can improve haptics and/or handling.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the cosmetics containeraccording to the invention comprises two opposing clip levers which aredisposed and configured in such a way that they can be simultaneouslyactuated with one hand and, in particular, with a two-finger grip inorder to release the lock of the closure cap on the storage container.

Another aspect of the invention is the use of the clip lever as such,which comprises one or more features as they are described in thisapplication for a clip lever.

Further advantages, mechanisms of action and optional embodiments becomeapparent from the following description of the exemplary embodimentsexplained with reference to the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cosmetics container according to the invention in aperspective view.

FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics containeraccording to the invention in two sectional views.

FIG. 3 shows the closure cap of the cosmetics container from FIG. 2 inan exploded perspective view.

FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics containeraccording to the invention in two sectional views.

FIG. 5 shows several components of the cosmetics container from FIG. 4in a perspective individual view.

FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics containeraccording to the invention in two sectional views.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics containeraccording to the invention in two sectional views.

FIG. 8 shows several components of the cosmetics container from FIG. 7in a perspective individual view.

FIG. 9 shows a variation in which the latching members are provided withinteracting wedge faces that brace the latching members against eachother in the longitudinal direction L, so that friction forces are beingbuilt up that prevent the respective clip lever from pivoting outwardsinadvertently.

FIG. 10 shows a variation in which the latching members are providedwith interacting latching members that produce an additional positivefit which prevents the respective clip lever from pivoting outwardsinadvertently.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Identical and/or functionally identical components are provided with thesame reference numerals in the Figures. However, in order to betterdistinguish the exemplary embodiments from one another, these referencenumerals have been additionally provided with the letters a, b, c and d.

FIG. 1 shows a cosmetics container 100 according to the invention, whichis substantially formed from a plastic material. It preferably has abulbous shape with an, in the cross section, oval contour. An elongatestorage container 110 for accommodating a liquid or pasty cosmeticproduct and a closure cap 120, with which a removal opening located atthe upper end of the storage container 110 (see FIG. 2) can be opened orunblocked and closed, belong to the cosmetics container 100.

In the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the cosmetics container hasa length of preferably maximally 130 mm and ideally a length ofmaximally 80 mm. Its radius is preferably maximally 45 mm, ideallymaximally 30 mm. The volume thereof that can be filled with cosmeticmass is most frequently less than 100 ml, ideally less than 50 ml oreven less than 30 ml.

In the illustration shown in FIG. 1, the closure cap 120 is in theclosing position. In this closing position, the closure cap 120 isdetachably locked or fixed on the storage container 110 by two outerclip levers 130, and cannot be readily removed. The clip levers 130 arepreferably disposed diametrically opposite from one another on the longsides of the cosmetics container 100.

FIG. 2 shows a section through a first exemplary embodiment of acosmetics container 100 a according to the invention. The closure cap120 a is in the closing position in which it closes off the removalopening 112 a in the storage container 110 a. The removal opening 112 aextends through an insert 111 a, wherein this insert 111 a alsocomprises a wiper for the applicator 140 a (see below) or simplyconstitutes the wiper. In order to be capable of providing the slightlymore complex functional surfaces required according to the invention,the closure cap 120 a preferably has a multi-part configuration. In thatcase, it comprises an outer part or housing part 121 a, which alsoserves as a handle section, as well as an inner part 122 a, which isretained in, and most frequently latched onto, the housing part 121 a.The inner part 122 a is formed integrally with a carrier rod 123 a onwhose end an applicator 140 a (e.g. a brush or flock-coated applyingdevice) is disposed, with which a cosmetic that is located inside thestorage container 110 a can be removed and applied.

The longitudinal axis of the cosmetics container 100 is marked with L.

As was already explained above, the closure cap 120 a, which is in theclosing position, is detachably locked on the storage container 110 a bytwo clip levers 130 a.

The configuration and mode of operation of such a clip lever 130 a isexplained in more detail below with reference to the enlarged detailedview A. The following explanations largely relate in a non-limitingmanner to a single clip lever, but preferably apply to all clip leversprovided, which generally are identical.

As is illustrated, the clip lever 130 a is preferably configured as aplate-like single part whose extent in the direction of the longitudinalaxis L of the cosmetics container is at least twice, preferably at least2.5 times, as large as its extent in the circumferential direction ofthe cosmetics container, and preferably at least 5 times as large as itsthickness. Preferably, such a clip lever should have edge lengths thatdo not exceed the range of 25 mm×10 mm and preferably 12.5 mm×5 mm. Themaximum thickness of the clip lever preferably does not exceed 6 mm,better 4 mm.

The clip lever is pivotably attached to the housing part 121 a of theclosure cap 120 a via a hinge or pivoting joint. The hinge comprises anaxle shaft 133 a which is disposed on the housing part 121 a andpreferably has the cross section of a half-cylinder or half-octagon orhalf-decagon, which facilitates the loss-proof latching action.

The clip lever 130 a is pushed or latched onto and pivotably mounted onthis axle shaft 133 a with clamps 134 a (also see FIG. 3). As can beseen, the center D of the center of gravity of the clip lever thusformed is offset slightly towards the inside of the container relativeto the imaginary center of gravity S of the clip lever. The clip lever130 a comprises a latching arm 132 a pointing away from the hinge 133 a/134 a and a pressing arm 131 a pointing in the opposite direction awayfrom the hinge 133 a/ 134 a. It preferably forms a seesaw that ispivotably mounted approximately in the area of its center.

The latching arm 132 a of the clip lever 130 a protrudes over the loweredge 124 a of the housing part 121 a (the lower edge is the edge facingtowards the storage container 110 a; see FIG. 3). The latching arm 132 ais configured as a latching hook, for which purpose the latter comprisesa latching member in the form of a latching lug 135 a spaced from thehinge 133 a/ 134 a and facing towards the storage container 120 a. Forlocking the closure cap 120 a to the storage container 110 a, thelatching lug 135 a can reach behind a latching member 115 a in the formof a latching projection formed on the outside of the storage container110 a, with the clip lever 130 a assuming a locking pivoted position,i.e. preventing the closure cap 120 a from being pulled off from thestorage container 110 in the direction of the longitudinal axis by apositive fit.

The clip lever 130 a is preferably biased in the direction of itslocking pivoted position by a spring device 137 a (also see FIG. 3)which most frequently acts on the pressing arm 131 a.

In addition, the latching lug can be configured in such a way that, whenreaching behind the latching projection, it is biased against it to morethan just an inconsiderable extent in the direction of the longitudinalaxis L, so that friction forces arise between the latching lug and thelatching projection which have a more than just inconsiderable influenceon the latching lug and the latching projection remaining in the lockingposition instead of separating inadvertently. Such a configuration canbe realized in such a manner, in particular, that the latching lug andthe latching projection are equipped with cooperating wedge faces thatslide along one another when the clip closure is pressed into theclosing position, and thus generate the corresponding bias in thelongitudinal direction L, see FIG. 9.

Alternatively, the latching lug and the latching projection can also beconfigured in such a way that they engage in a positive-fit lock withone another, which counteracts the latching lug being pushed off in thedirection, substantially, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, seeFIG. 10.

In order to release a frictional or positive fit existing between thelatching lug 135 a and the latching projection 115 a, a pressing forcehas to be applied manually onto the pressing arm 131 a of the clip lever130 a, which is illustrated by the arrow F. The pressing force F isdirected inwards relative to the closure cap 120 a and acts in theopposite direction to the spring device 137 a. By applying the pressingforce F, the clip lever 130 a is pivoted about the hinge 133/134 a andmoved out of its locking pivoted position. Thereafter, the closure cap120 a can be taken off the storage container 110 a. The spring device137 a causes a return of the clip lever 130 a once the pressing force Fis taken away.

The two clip levers 130 a are preferably disposed directly opposite fromone another on the long sides of the cosmetics container 100 a (also seeFIG. 1), and can therefore be actuated simultaneously with one hand and,in particular, with a two-finger grip, wherein the lock of the closurecap 120 a to the storage container 110 a can also be released only by asimultaneous actuation of the two clip levers 130 a. A cosmeticscontainer according to the invention can optionally also comprise onlyone clip lever, or more than two clip levers.

In order to close the storage container 110 a, the applicator 140 a isinserted into the removal opening 112 a. Then, the storage container 110a and the closure cap 120 a are moved towards one another axially alongthe longitudinal axis L. In this case, centering organs (separate fromthe clip arm) of the storage container and the closure cap preferablycome into engagement with each other, even before the closure cap hasreached its final position relative to the storage container, whichposition these components relative to one another as intended, evenbefore the clip levers latch. Such an advance centering facilitates theprecise latching of the clip levers, in particular if an automaticlatching action is to take place.

During this axial displacement of the storage container and the closurecap relative to each other, the inner inclined surface 136 a (i.e. theone facing towards the storage container 110 a) on the end of thelatching arm 132 a pointing away from the hinge 133/134 slides off theshoulder 116 a on the storage container 110 a, whereby the clip arm 130a is pivoted against the acting spring device 137 a until finally, thelatching lug 135 a is able, preferably automatically, to reach behindthe latching projection 115 a. The locking positive fit between thecorresponding latching members 115 a and 135 a can thus be brought aboutautomatically.

In other embodiments in which the corresponding latching membersthemselves develop considerable friction fit or positive fit forces inorder to remain securely latched to each other, the latching arm has tobe pressed on accordingly by the user, see FIGS. 9 and 10.

The latching projection 115 a on the storage container 110 a is a partof a depression 114 a in the outer shell of the storage container 110 a,into which the end section of the latching arm 132 can engagecompletely, so that this end section hardly protrudes over the outershell, or not at all.

Moreover, a lock of the closure cap 120 a in both directions of thelongitudinal axis L is also accomplished.

In analogy to the above explanations, the clip levers can also bedisposed on the storage container, with latching members being formed onthe outside of the closure cap with which the latching members formed onthe clip levers can engage in a releasable positive fit. Moreover, acosmetics container according to the invention can comprise several cliplevers, which are disposed, for example alternately, on the closure capand on the storage container. Moreover, several clip levers of differentdesigns (in this respect, also see the following explanations regardingthe further exemplary embodiments) can be provided on a cosmeticscontainer according to the invention.

In an exploded perspective view, FIG. 3 shows the closure cap 120 a ofthe cosmetics container from FIG. 2. In this view, the integralconfiguration of the housing part 121 a together with the axle shaft 133a and the spring device 137 a can be seen well—the housing part in thiscase comprises a cut-out 125 a, which is preferably open in the downwarddirection, towards the storage container, and bordered on three sides,and within which the axle shaft 133 a and preferably also the springdevice 137 a are retained.

The housing part 121 a is an injection-molded article that has beeninjection-molded together with the axle shaft and preferably also thespring device 137 a as a single component and preferably in a singleshot. If required, the housing part can also be a multi-componentinjection-molded article consisting of a plastic material or a plasticcomposite material (wherein the housing part 121 a, the axle shaft 133 aand/or the spring device 137 a, as required, can be formed fromdifferent or only differently colored plastic materials). However, thisintegral configuration is not an absolute requirement. The axle shaft133 a and/or the spring device 137 a can also be configured as separateindividual parts that are assembled later or bonded bysubstance-to-substance connection during the injection-molding process,which, however, is not preferred due to reasons of cost, not fordisposable packaging from the lower price segment, in any case.Generally, the axle shaft 133 a can also consist, for example, of ametallic material.

As is shown, the spring device 137 a is best configured as aunilaterally hinged and preferably slightly outwardly inclined or curvedspring tongue. Preferably, the thickness of the spring tongue changes inthe direction along the longitudinal axis—most frequently in such a waythat the spring tongue has its minimum thickness in the vicinity of itsconnection to the housing 121.

The spring tongue is capable of pressing against the pressing arm 131 aof the clip lever 130 a from behind or the rear with its free resilientend (see FIG. 2). Ideally, it moves equidirectionally to the pressingarm 131 a—if the latter is pressed inwards into the housing part 121 afor opening the closure, the spring member (its free end) is alsopressed, equidirectionally, inwards in the direction of the imaginarylongitudinal axis of the housing part 121 a. The side at which thespring tongue is connected to the housing part 121 is immediatelyadjacent to the axle shaft.

As can best be seen in FIG. 3, the spring tongue in this preferredembodiment is connected to the housing part 121 a in such a way that thespring member comprises a web section 141 a extending in thecircumferential direction, with which the spring member is connected tothe housing 121 a. If the spring member is deflected by a correspondingload, then the web section 141 a is exposed to a torsional load in someareas, whereas the rest of the section of the spring member is subjectedto a bending load.

As can be seen rather well in detail A of FIG. 2, the spring member hassufficient space to move in a resilient manner in the direction of theinterior of the housing part 121 a. Preferably, a defined stop, here inthe form of a stop rib, is attached on the inside of the housing part,which limits the spring deflection of the spring member in a definedmanner in order to prevent the spring member from being overloaded.

A spring device acting differently for biasing and returning the cliplever 130 a can also be provided instead of such a spring tongue, suchas a coil spring, a leaf spring, a rubber spring (in particular a spongerubber spring in the form of a sponge rubber block which is preferablymade to be self-adhesive on one surface and is, in any case, glued tothe clip lever from the inside of the container) and the like, withthese spring devices being, in particular, formed as separate springdevices that are positioned rearwards of the pressing arm 131 a and inthe process are supported by a bearing pad on the housing part 121 (oroptionally also on the inner part 122 a).

The axle shaft 133 a and the spring tongue 137 a are, as was alreadystated, disposed in a cut-out 125 a in the housing part 121 a. Thecut-out 125 a enables the pressing arm 131 a of the clip lever 130 a todip in when a pressing force F is applied. Furthermore, a deep-seatedattachment of the clip lever 130 a to the closure cap 120 a is madepossible, so that the attached clip lever 130 a hardly protrudes overthe outer shell of the cosmetics containers 100 a, which can also beseen very well in the sectional view in FIG. 2. The danger of damage tothe clip lever 130 a and/or of erroneous actuations is thus reduced.

The clip lever 130 a is configured as a flat, strip-like member. On itsrear, the clip lever 130 a comprises at least two clamps 134 a that canbe snapped onto the axle shaft 133 a on the housing part 121 a in orderto form a hinge together with the axle shaft 133 a (see FIG. 2).

The accessible front of the clip lever 130 a can be configured with apatterned (e.g. roughened, napped or profiled) surface in order toimprove haptics. A patterned surface can also be, for example, anembossed advertisement 138 a. Furthermore, the front surface can beprovided with a coating (for example a metal foil).

The illustrated clip lever 130 a is integrally formed. Preferably, it isan injection-molded article or optionally a multi-componentinjection-molded article consisting of a plastic material. The cliplever 130 a could equally be an aluminum casting or the like. Anintegral configuration is not an absolute requirement, but is preferred.Moreover, the clip lever 130 a can be configured with strengtheningmembers (for example stiffening ribs) and/or reinforcing members (e.g.integrated metal pins) that are not shown. Moreover, the arrangement ofthe axle shaft and the clamp can also be reversed.

According to the invention, it may be important that it is ensured, bythe design, that the storage container 110 is sealed by the closure cap120 without a stronger tightening of the closure cap 120 against thestorage container 110 in the direction of the longitudinal axis beingprovided, such as a screw-on closure makes possible. In order to make aseal possible also without such a tightening, the closure cap 120 or theinner part 122 thereof comprises a stopper section 150. The outerdiameter of the latter is adapted to the inner diameter of the neck ofthe storage container or of the wiper in such a way that the stoppersection 150 tightens against the bottle neck or the wiper and thus sealsit when the closure cap is closed.

FIG. 4 shows a section through a second exemplary embodiment of acosmetics container 100 b according to the invention. Deviating from thefirst exemplary embodiment, the hinge for the clip lever 130 b is inthis case formed as a film hinge 139 b, which can be seen well in theenlarged detailed view B. The film hinge 139 b can be formed as acontinuous film joint or in the form of several individual film joints.Seen in the longitudinal direction L, it is attached at the level of thecenter of the clip lever. The film hinge 139 b also serves for fixinglyconnecting the clip lever 130 b to the inner part 122 b (oralternatively to the housing part 121 b) of the closure cap 120 b. Inthe exemplary embodiment shown, the clip lever 130 b is configuredintegral with the inner part 122 b via the film hinge 139 b (also seeFIG. 5). The inner part 122 b is, in particular, a “single shot”injection-molded article or optionally a multi-componentinjection-molded article consisting of a plastic material. However, theintegral configuration is not an absolute requirement, but isadvantageous.

Another difference to the first exemplary embodiment lies in the factthat the spring device 137 b for biasing and returning the clip lever130 b is disposed directly on the clip lever 130 b. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, the spring device 137 b is formed as an elastic springtab or spring tongue which is integrally formed with the clip lever 130b and disposed on the rear of the pressing arm 131 b. This spring tab ortongue is preferably supported against a stop face of the inner part 122a. However, the integral configuration is not an absolute requirement,but is advantageous. The spring tongue 137 b, which extends in astraight manner, preferably protrudes from the rear of the clip lever130 b in the direction of the film hinge 139 b at an angle of about 40°to 50°. The transitions between the clip lever 130 b and the springtongue 137 b are configured so as to be stress-optimized. The springdevice 137 b is resiliently supported with its free resilient end on theinner part 122 b of the closure cap 120 b.

Another difference to the first exemplary embodiment also lies in theconfiguration of the positive-fit members effecting the locking action.Deviating from the first exemplary embodiment, the latching arm 132 b ofthe clip lever 130 b is not configured with a latching lug, but with alatching recess 135 b which preferably forms a window in the latchingarm and which is capable of engaging in a positive fit with acorresponding latching member 115 b in the form of a latching knob orlatching pin formed on the storage container 110 b. This is clearlyapparent from the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. 5. Preferably,the latching recess 135 b and the latching member 115 b are dimensionedin such a way that the bias of the spring device 137 b is sufficient tolet them come into engagement automatically once they overlap—so thatthe lid “snaps shut” of its own accord once it has been pushed into itsfinal position.

Instead, however, a design may also be chosen in this case in which thelatching recess 135 b and the latching member 115 b latch into oneanother by frictional or positive fit only due to the user specifically“pressing them shut”, so that the latching lever can no longerinadvertently pivot outwards into its opened position. Such aconfiguration can enhance the closing effect of the spring device, oralso replace the spring device.

Further differences of design between the second exemplary embodimentand the first, third or fourth exemplary embodiments are apparent fromthe Figures. Moreover, the second exemplary embodiment can comprise allthe features of the first, third and/or fourth exemplary embodiments,provided that these features are not incompatible with theabove-described special features of the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a section through a third exemplary embodiment of acosmetics container 100 c according to the invention. As in the secondexemplary embodiment, the spring device 137 c for biasing and returningthe clip lever 130 c is disposed directly on the clip lever 130 c.Deviating from the second exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 4), the springdevice 137 c, however, is not configured as a straight, but rather as abent or curved spring tab or spring tongue, with this spring tongue 137c extending away from the film hinge 139 c, for example.

The configuration and mode of operation of the positive-fit members 115c and 135 c largely corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment (seeFIGS. 2 and 3). Further differences of design between the thirdexemplary embodiment and the first, second or fourth exemplaryembodiments are apparent from the Figures. Moreover, the third exemplaryembodiment can comprise all the features of the first, second and/orfourth exemplary embodiments, provided that these features are notincompatible with the above-described special features of the secondexemplary embodiment. For example, the latching tab and the latchingprojection from the first exemplary embodiment could be realized insteadof the positive-fit members shown by FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows a section through a fourth exemplary embodiment of acosmetics container 100 d according to the invention. Deviating from thepreceding exemplary embodiments, the attaching connection of the cliplevers 130 d to the housing part 121 d of the closure cap 120 d iseffected by two connecting tabs 127 d. This is clearly apparent from theperspective individual view shown in FIG. 8. In addition to theattachment, the connecting tabs 127 d serve, on the one hand, as hingesor pivoting joints for the pivotable mounting of the clip lever 130 d.On the other hand, the connecting tabs 127, given an appropriatedimensioning and selection of materials, preferably also serve astorsion springs for biasing and returning the clip lever 130d—preferably, the clip lever is configured in such a way, also in thiscase, that it automatically fulfills its locking function once theclosure cap has reached its closing position.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the clip lever 130 d is configuredintegral with the housing portion 121 b via the connecting tabs 127 d.The housing part 121 d is, in particular, a “single shot”injection-molded article or optionally a multi-componentinjection-molded article consisting of a plastic material or a plasticcomposite material. However, the integral configuration is not anabsolute requirement, but is preferred. The connecting tabs 127 cancomprise integrated strengthening members (such as, for example, metaltorsion springs or the like).

The configuration and mode of operation of the positive-fit members 115d and 135 d largely corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment (seeFIGS. 2 and 3). Further differences of design between the fourthexemplary embodiment and the first, second or third exemplaryembodiments are apparent from the Figures. Moreover, the fourthexemplary embodiment can comprise all the features of the first, secondand/or third exemplary embodiments, provided that these features are notincompatible with the above-described special features of the secondexemplary embodiment.

1. A cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic product,comprising: a storage container having at least one removal opening; anda closure cap for opening and closing this removal opening, wherein theclosure cap can be detachably locked on the storage container in itsclosing position using a locking device that acts between the closurecap and the storage container; wherein the locking device comprises atleast one clip lever which is disposed on an outside of the closure cap,and is pivotably mounted with a hinge, and which comprises a latchingarm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing in the anopposite direction away from the hinge, wherein the latching arm isconfigured with at least one latching member that is capable of engagingin a positive fit with at least one corresponding latching member formedon the storage container, in such a way that this positive fit can bereleased again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressingarm.
 2. A cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic product,comprising: a storage container having at least one removal opening; anda closure cap for opening and closing this removal opening, wherein theclosure cap can be detachably locked on the storage container in itsclosing position using a locking device that acts between the closurecap and the storage container; wherein the locking device comprises atleast one clip lever which is disposed on an outside of the storagecontainer, and is pivotably mounted with a hinge, and which comprises alatching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing inan opposite direction away from the hinge, wherein the latching arm isconfigured with at least one latching member that is capable of engagingin a positive fit with at least one corresponding latching member formedon the closure cap, in such a way that this positive fit can be releasedagain by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm. 3.The cosmetics container according to claim 1, wherein the clip lever isconfigured as a flat, strip-like member.
 4. The cosmetics containeraccording to claim 1, wherein the hinge for the clip lever comprises anaxle shaft which is disposed on the storage container or on the closurecap and on which the clip lever is pivotably mounted.
 5. The cosmeticscontainer according to claim 1, wherein the hinge for the clip lever isconfigured as a film hinge.
 6. The cosmetics container according toclaim 1, wherein the clip lever is biased into a locking pivotedposition by at least one spring device, with this spring device alsocausing a return of the clip lever after the manual application of apressing force onto the pressing arm.
 7. The cosmetics containeraccording to any claim 1, wherein the clip lever is configured in such away that the locking positive fit between the corresponding latchingmembers is brought about automatically when the closure cap is placed onthe storage container.
 8. The cosmetics container according to claim 1,wherein the clip lever has a different color than the closure cap and/orthe storage container.
 9. The cosmetics container according to claim 1,wherein the clip lever is configured at least in some sections with apatterned surface.
 10. The cosmetics container according to any claim 1,wherein the cosmetics container comprises two opposing clip levers whichcan be simultaneously actuated with one hand with a two-finger grip, inorder to release the lock of the closure cap on the storage container.11. A cosmetics application system, comprising a cosmetics containeraccording to claim 1 and a mascara applicator, which in a closedposition is plugged into the cosmetics container, and a mascara mass,which fills the cosmetics container.
 12. A use of a locking devicecomprising: at least one clip lever which is disposed on an outside of afirst container member, which is pivotably mounted with a hinge, andwhich comprises a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and apressing arm pointing in an opposite direction away from the hinge,wherein the latching arm is configured with at least one latching memberthat is capable of engaging in a positive fit with at least onecorresponding latching member formed on a second container member, insuch a way that this positive fit can be released again by manuallyapplying a pressing force onto the pressing arm as a locking device forlocking in a positive fit a cap of a cosmetics container or mascaracontainer relative to a cosmetics storage container or a mascaracontainer which is intended for distributing the cosmetic or the mascaramass to end users and has a storage volume of <100 ml.
 13. The cosmeticscontainer according to claim 2, wherein the clip lever is configured asa flat, strip-like member.
 14. The cosmetics container according toclaim 2, wherein the hinge for the clip lever comprises an axle shaftwhich is disposed on the storage container or on the closure cap and onwhich the clip lever is pivotably mounted.
 15. The cosmetics containeraccording to claim 2, wherein the hinge for the clip lever is configuredas a film hinge.
 16. The cosmetics container according to claim 2,wherein the clip lever is biased into a locking pivoted position by atleast one spring device, with this spring device also causing a returnof the clip lever after the manual application of a pressing force ontothe pressing arm.
 17. The cosmetics container according to claim 2,wherein the clip lever is configured in such a way that the lockingpositive fit between the corresponding latching members is brought aboutautomatically when the closure cap is placed on the storage container.18. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the clip leverhas a different color than the closure cap and/or the storage container.19. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the clip leveris configured at least in some sections with a patterned surface. 20.The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the cosmeticscontainer comprises two opposing clip levers which can be simultaneouslyactuated with one hand with a two-finger grip, in order to release thelock of the closure cap on the storage container.